BARAĆ: “THE GUYS FOUGHT UNTIL THE VERY END AND I HAVE NO COMPLAINTS”

Mega Superbet opened the ABA League playoffs with a loss, falling to Budućnost in Podgorica 80–96 (18:29, 16:23, 24:28, 18:20). Marko Barać’s team found themselves in double-digit deficit after just 10 minutes and didn’t manage to respond until the third quarter, when they cut into the lead. They came within 12 points early in the final period, but the hosts held firm, preserved the cushion, and ultimately secured the win to take a 1–0 lead in the series.

Mega Superbet head coach Marko Barać shared his thoughts at the post-game press conference:

“It’s clear that especially at the start of the game, we couldn’t cope with the physicality of the home team or the overall quality of the opponent. We gave up too many points in the paint and from the free-throw line in the first quarter. In the second half, we played much better and managed to score some easy baskets at the beginning of the third. Then we had a promising opportunity with an eight-point deficit in transition, but we turned the ball over and gave up back-to-back threes.

The guys fought until the very end and I have nothing to hold against them. Sure, there were moments when we could’ve played smarter and recognized the advantage on offense better. Still, all of it came from a place of great desire, and I truly can’t fault them. We’ll work on our shortcomings, try to correct our mistakes, and look for a way to face Budućnost, which had clearly prepared increased aggression and physicality,” said Barać.

Game 2 is scheduled for Friday, May 16, at 19:00 in Ranko Žeravica Sports Hall.

Photo: ABA League/Dragana Stjepanović